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IPFW
Computing and Data Processing Newsletter
September 1982
ACADEMIC COMPUTING
Local Area Network at IPFW
As the number of computing courses at IPFW increases and the number of instructional courses using CAl packages also increases, one of the biggest problems encountered is how to provide effective access to terminals. Currently, Computing and Data Processing maintains a cluster of 23 VT-100 terminals in KT 204B for communications with the VAX 11/780, and 10 terminals connected to the IU Computing Network. This central terminal site is experiencing a queueing problem, with more students desiring access to these systems than the terminals can support. A further problem is that students using this central terminal cluster do not have easy access to their instructors when problems are encountered. A solution to these problems is to install what is called a local area network (LAN) supporting multiple terminal clusters throughout the campus. In the fall semester 1982, a LAN based on broadband cable technology (similar to the technology used for cable TV) will be tested. The experimental system supports several test sites with varying numbers of terminals. Various technologies for the support of terminal clusters were investigated before the broadband-cable approach was selected. The alternatives included twisted-pair cable using modems and data concentrators, microwave transmissions between buildings, and fiberoptics cable. The broadband coaxial cable network splits incoming and outgoing signals into two bandwidths separated by a guardband. A T-BOX or T-MUX ( 2- or 8-port multiplexer) connected to the user's terminal transmits and receives signals on a fixed bandwidth through the network. These signals then go to the headend of the system where the T-VERTER picks up the data transmissions from multiple terminals and sends them to the computer center over the trunk line. At the computer center these signals enter another T-MUX with 8 ports tied initially to the VAX 11/780. Inbound signals will have low bandwidths (70 to 116 MHz) while outbound signals will have high bandwidths (226 to 272 MHz). This signal separation provides exceptionally low transmission error rates of about 1 per billion bits transmitted. The T-VERTER will be located in the Learning Resource Center because of its geographical centrality. LRC personnel Bob Lynch and Mike Mourey will be in charge of the coax-cable installation and the operation of the headend of the LAN. Each port on the computer center end of the network is either addressable by the MUX, where the user signals for the box number and lets the multiplexer decide on an open port, or directly addresses a specific port. The former strategy provides for port contention, giving all users an equal chance to obtain a port at any given time. Ports are released for general use when a terminal goes off the system. Single addressable ports may best be used for printer ports supporting hardcopy terminals and functioning as remote-site printers, removing the printing burden from the computer center. The first phase of the IPFW LAN implementation is to set up several moving test sites in locations designated by academic departments as terminal clusters for instructional work or laboratories. The testing phase for the LAN has two elements: a distribution test at three sites, one in each of the classroom buildings; and a building test where all three sites will be in one building. This test allows testing of the LAN software and provides set-up experience for computing center and LRC personnel. Each test site will remain operational for a one-month period, and the coax cable will remain at these sites when the test T-BOX's are moved. The following sites were chosen for the phase-one test: NF 116, 120, 175, 350, and 375; KT 253 and 274; and CM 258. These selections were made from among departments which volunteered to be part of this test; departments from ETN, ARL, and SCI are represented. Also as part of the test, a variety of ASCII terminals and microcomputers will attempt to interface with the VAX. For this phase-one test, Computing and Data Processing has purchased a T-VERTER from SYTEK, Inc., a T-MUX for the computer center, and three T-BOX's for the test sites. Should the first phase of the LAN implementation be successful, the second phase will add two more T-MUX's to the computer center. Twenty of the new ports will go to the VAX , and four to the IU Computing Network. Additional rooms will have coax installed during this phase. A third phase will explore the potential for interfacing terminals to the IBM 370/138 via a bisync communications box which SYTEK should release later this year. The goal of this distributed-access method is to provide a 2:1 ratio of terminals to ports. Those who have used the IU Computing Network have contended with a 3.5:1 or greater ratio of terminals throughout the network for work on the computers located in Bloomington or Indianapolis. This shared contention for ports provides the most equitable method of accessing the VAX and other systems.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTING
Maintenance and Project Planning for Administrative Systems
(This is the first in a series of articles describing the various administrative computing systems supported at IPFW on the IBM 370/138.)
Currently Computing and Data Processing is responsible for maintaining 35 applications-program systems involving several data bases and consisting of over 400 application programs. These systems range from the software used to register students to a telephone inventory system. Technical Services, under the direction of Tom Kruse, has been working to upgrade the documentation on program changes and how the various systems interrelate. To accomplish this task as well as service customer needs to upgrade these systems, a maintenance plan has been implemented. Similarly, Customer Services, has implemented a consulting plan. Robert Copeland, Administrative Coordinator, meets with those administrators responsible for the systems one month before changes are to be implemented by Technical Services. His task is to obtain the specifications for changes, and to work with Tom Kruse in planning to effect them. When the customer is satisfied with the changes, they are implemented by the Technical Services programmers. Technical Services implements changes by making the changes in the COBOL programs, recompiling the programs, and insuring that adequate testing of these program changes is done before they are reinstalled as production programs. They must also insure that interconnections between the changed program and other programs remain viable. Project planning means the development of new programs and their integration into the existing systems. Administrative requests for new reports or entirely new systems of programs and data have similarly been scheduled, giving each major administrative area an equal amount of time for project development. Each project-implementation schedule is three months long. Prior to the implementation, again, Mr. Copeland meets with the administrative customer to develop the specifications of the new program or programs. He spends up to three months on this task. Therefore, Computing and Data Processing staff spend up to six months planning and implementing a project or projects prioritized by an administrative area. For both maintenance and project development, these schedules may be interrupted by emergency maintenance or when program changes are requested by Indiana or Purdue universities to support changes that they have made or are making in their administrative computing systems. Emergency and project-overrun problems will be negotiated in the Council for Computing Policy consisting of the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Services, the Chancellor's representative, and the Director of Computing and Data Processing. This project and maintenance schedule is designed to provide equitable service for administrative departments, both for existing programs and for new project development.
GENERAL COMPUTING
Computing and Data Processing Staff
William Bennett Director 5816
Margo Curtis Secretary 5766
Operations Support Staff: The operations support staff maintains and operates the IBM 370/138 and VAX 11/780, and monitors the TRAN data transmission equipment to the IU Computing Network and the forthcoming local area network. Equipment problems should be reported to this group. Questions concerning mailing labels, instructional course evaluations, and test scoring should also be directed to this group.
Jan Nichols Operations Coordinator 5766
Dawn Teel Day Shift Operator 5325
Ed Katter Night Shift Operator 5325
Joe Dillon Swing Shift Operator 5325
Cyndy Elick Data Entry/Backup Operator 5766
Student Operators
Technical Support Staff: The technical support staff have primary responsibility for the maintenance and development of administrative software on the IBM 370/138, allocation of disk space, and hardware and software problem analysis.
Tom Kruse Tech. Support Coordinator 5766
Jim Teel Software Coordinator 5766
Randall Thorne Programmer/Analyst 5766
Customer Service Support Staff: The customer service staff provides administrative and academic consulting to faculty and administrative personnel. Administrative consulting is confined to the administrative software on the IBM 370/138, while academic consulting focuses on instructional and research computing.
Scott Shreiner Asst. Director/Customer Service Coord. 5766
Robert Copeland Administrative Consultant 5766
Char Edgar Academic Consultant 5766
Student Consultants
PROJECT AND PROGRAM MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS
Consulting Planning Projects Maintenance Technical Services Implementation Projects Maintenance
JANUARY Financial Student Info Sys Student Services Student Info Sys
FEBRUARY Financial Affairs Univ Code Sys Control System Registration Sys Library Info Sys Fee Statement Sys Admissions Sys Arts and Letters Student Services Student Info Sys
MARCH Financial Affairs Registration Sys Fee Statement Sys Accounting Sys Admissions Sys Student Services Univ Code Sys Control System Registration Sys Library Info Sys Fee Statement Sys Admissions Sys Arts and Letters
APRIL Academic Affairs Phone Inventory Sys Gov. Documents Sys Dental Assist. Sys Course/Instructor Evaluation Sys Accounting Sys Financial Affairs Registration Sys Fee statement Sys Accounting Sys Admissions Sys
MAY Academic Affairs Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Phone Directory Sys General Stores Sys Graduation Sys Financial Affairs Phone Inventory Gov Document Sys Dental Assist. Sys Course/Instructor Evaluation Sys Accounting Sys
JUNE Academic Affairs Weekend College Sys Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Financial Affairs Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Phone Directory General Stores Sys Graduation Sys
JULY Chancellor's Office Physical Plant Sys Job Accounting Sys Encumbrance Reporting Sys Dental Hygiene Sys Career Placement Sys Counselor List Sys PARS Sys Academic Affairs Weekend College Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Consulting Planning Projects Maintenance Technical Services Implementation Projects Maintenance
AUGUST Chancellor's Office Placement Test Sys PARS Sys Financial Aids Sys Drop/Add Activity Sys Academic Affairs Physical Plant Sys Job Accounting Sys Encumbrance Reporting Sys Dental Hygiene Sys Career Placement Counselor List Sys PARS Sys
SEPT Chancellor's Office Student Test Scoring System Placement Test Sys Gifts/Grants Sys Financial Aids Sys Academic Affairs Placement Testing PARS Sys Financial Aids Sys Drop/Add Activity
OCTOBER Student Services Transitional Studies Sys Terminal Inventory Mailing Labels Sys Form 21 Reporting Sys Gifts/Grants Sys Facilities Inventory Sys Comptroller's Budget Analysis Sys Chancellor's Office Student Test Scoring System Placement Testing Gifts/Grants Sys Financial Aids Sys
NOV Student Services Student Info Sys Chancellor's Office Transitional Studies Sys Terminal Inventory Mailing Labels Form 21 Reporting Gifts/Grants Sys Facilities Inventory Sys Comptroller's Budget Analysis Sys
DEC Student Services Student Info Sys Chancellor's Office Student Info Sys
BIT BUCKET
Fall Computing Center Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Holiday and between-semester hours posted on the Data Preparation Room and on the VAX terminal room (KT 204B) Preventive maintenance on the VAX usually scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month; software maintenance downtimes posted and announced on the VAX News; consulting hours posted on the Consulting Room door
DEC Grants to IPFW
Congratulations to the Department of Modern Foreign Languages, the Medical Education program, and the School of Engineering, Technology, and Nursing for their participation in the DEC Special Equipment Program. Their area proposals resulted in the award of 10 GIGI color graphics terminals and 4 VT-103 microcomputer kits to the campus; the value of this grant is about $128,000. The color graphics terminals will be used in conjunction with computer-aided instruction in foreign languages and medical education, and the VT-103 microcomputers will be used in the ETN microcomputer laboratory. The DEC Special Equipment Program annually awards equipment to educational institutions. Proposals usually are due in April; available equipment changes from year to year.
IPFW Computing Users Manuals
The Computing Users Manual will become two manuals and will be available in the bookstore. One manual contains information on using the local IBM 370/138 and VAX 11/780. This edition will also include a BASIC PRIMER contributed by Dr. Frederick of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The other manual will contain information on the computers in the IU Computing Network--the DEC 10 and IBM 4341 computers at Indianapolis and the CDC 172/6600 at Bloomington.
VAX Videotapes
Videotapes which provide training for VAX 11/780 users are available from the Learning Resource Center in KT 214. New VAX users are advised to view these tapes before using the VAX.
Academic and Administrative Project Scheduling
Computing and Data Processing maintains in KT 204J a master schedule board containing current information on regularly scheduled administrative jobs, due dates of student class projects, software-maintenance schedules, and known hardware-maintenance downtimes. This board and the cooperation of our customers will enable C&DP to plan for and load-level peak academic and administrative use of the computers.
VAX/Microcomputer Interfaces
The VAX systems manager is currently maintaining a file of hardware and software interface information for various microcomputers to the VAX. Current contributions to this file include interface information for the IBM personal, TRS-80, and DEC VT-18X microcomputers. Information is not yet available for the APPLE II and other microcomputers. Contributions to this information file are needed. Contact Scott Shreiner for more information or to contribute information.
SPSS on the VAX?
Computing and Data Processing is considering moving the SPSS statistical package from the IBM 370/138 to the VAX 11/780 to provide greater academic access to this research tool. SPSS would remain a batch processing tool (not interactive). Faculty input on this question is requested. Please write your views to Char Edgar.
Short Courses
Computing and Data Processing is presenting short courses for interested users:
Introduction to IU Computer Systems--Local and Network September 20, 2-4 p.m.
SPSS September 27 thru 30, 2-4 p.m.
VAX Concepts and Architecture October 4 thru 7, 2-4 p.m.
Graphics October 25 and 29, 2-4 p.m.
To register, call Char Edgar, 5766, as soon as possible.
I.S. 8-82-124
IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE FUTURE ISSUES OF SIGN_ON, NOTIFY C&DP AT 5766.

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SIGN_ON
IPFW
Computing and Data Processing Newsletter
September 1982
ACADEMIC COMPUTING
Local Area Network at IPFW
As the number of computing courses at IPFW increases and the number of instructional courses using CAl packages also increases, one of the biggest problems encountered is how to provide effective access to terminals. Currently, Computing and Data Processing maintains a cluster of 23 VT-100 terminals in KT 204B for communications with the VAX 11/780, and 10 terminals connected to the IU Computing Network. This central terminal site is experiencing a queueing problem, with more students desiring access to these systems than the terminals can support. A further problem is that students using this central terminal cluster do not have easy access to their instructors when problems are encountered. A solution to these problems is to install what is called a local area network (LAN) supporting multiple terminal clusters throughout the campus. In the fall semester 1982, a LAN based on broadband cable technology (similar to the technology used for cable TV) will be tested. The experimental system supports several test sites with varying numbers of terminals. Various technologies for the support of terminal clusters were investigated before the broadband-cable approach was selected. The alternatives included twisted-pair cable using modems and data concentrators, microwave transmissions between buildings, and fiberoptics cable. The broadband coaxial cable network splits incoming and outgoing signals into two bandwidths separated by a guardband. A T-BOX or T-MUX ( 2- or 8-port multiplexer) connected to the user's terminal transmits and receives signals on a fixed bandwidth through the network. These signals then go to the headend of the system where the T-VERTER picks up the data transmissions from multiple terminals and sends them to the computer center over the trunk line. At the computer center these signals enter another T-MUX with 8 ports tied initially to the VAX 11/780. Inbound signals will have low bandwidths (70 to 116 MHz) while outbound signals will have high bandwidths (226 to 272 MHz). This signal separation provides exceptionally low transmission error rates of about 1 per billion bits transmitted. The T-VERTER will be located in the Learning Resource Center because of its geographical centrality. LRC personnel Bob Lynch and Mike Mourey will be in charge of the coax-cable installation and the operation of the headend of the LAN. Each port on the computer center end of the network is either addressable by the MUX, where the user signals for the box number and lets the multiplexer decide on an open port, or directly addresses a specific port. The former strategy provides for port contention, giving all users an equal chance to obtain a port at any given time. Ports are released for general use when a terminal goes off the system. Single addressable ports may best be used for printer ports supporting hardcopy terminals and functioning as remote-site printers, removing the printing burden from the computer center. The first phase of the IPFW LAN implementation is to set up several moving test sites in locations designated by academic departments as terminal clusters for instructional work or laboratories. The testing phase for the LAN has two elements: a distribution test at three sites, one in each of the classroom buildings; and a building test where all three sites will be in one building. This test allows testing of the LAN software and provides set-up experience for computing center and LRC personnel. Each test site will remain operational for a one-month period, and the coax cable will remain at these sites when the test T-BOX's are moved. The following sites were chosen for the phase-one test: NF 116, 120, 175, 350, and 375; KT 253 and 274; and CM 258. These selections were made from among departments which volunteered to be part of this test; departments from ETN, ARL, and SCI are represented. Also as part of the test, a variety of ASCII terminals and microcomputers will attempt to interface with the VAX. For this phase-one test, Computing and Data Processing has purchased a T-VERTER from SYTEK, Inc., a T-MUX for the computer center, and three T-BOX's for the test sites. Should the first phase of the LAN implementation be successful, the second phase will add two more T-MUX's to the computer center. Twenty of the new ports will go to the VAX , and four to the IU Computing Network. Additional rooms will have coax installed during this phase. A third phase will explore the potential for interfacing terminals to the IBM 370/138 via a bisync communications box which SYTEK should release later this year. The goal of this distributed-access method is to provide a 2:1 ratio of terminals to ports. Those who have used the IU Computing Network have contended with a 3.5:1 or greater ratio of terminals throughout the network for work on the computers located in Bloomington or Indianapolis. This shared contention for ports provides the most equitable method of accessing the VAX and other systems.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTING
Maintenance and Project Planning for Administrative Systems
(This is the first in a series of articles describing the various administrative computing systems supported at IPFW on the IBM 370/138.)
Currently Computing and Data Processing is responsible for maintaining 35 applications-program systems involving several data bases and consisting of over 400 application programs. These systems range from the software used to register students to a telephone inventory system. Technical Services, under the direction of Tom Kruse, has been working to upgrade the documentation on program changes and how the various systems interrelate. To accomplish this task as well as service customer needs to upgrade these systems, a maintenance plan has been implemented. Similarly, Customer Services, has implemented a consulting plan. Robert Copeland, Administrative Coordinator, meets with those administrators responsible for the systems one month before changes are to be implemented by Technical Services. His task is to obtain the specifications for changes, and to work with Tom Kruse in planning to effect them. When the customer is satisfied with the changes, they are implemented by the Technical Services programmers. Technical Services implements changes by making the changes in the COBOL programs, recompiling the programs, and insuring that adequate testing of these program changes is done before they are reinstalled as production programs. They must also insure that interconnections between the changed program and other programs remain viable. Project planning means the development of new programs and their integration into the existing systems. Administrative requests for new reports or entirely new systems of programs and data have similarly been scheduled, giving each major administrative area an equal amount of time for project development. Each project-implementation schedule is three months long. Prior to the implementation, again, Mr. Copeland meets with the administrative customer to develop the specifications of the new program or programs. He spends up to three months on this task. Therefore, Computing and Data Processing staff spend up to six months planning and implementing a project or projects prioritized by an administrative area. For both maintenance and project development, these schedules may be interrupted by emergency maintenance or when program changes are requested by Indiana or Purdue universities to support changes that they have made or are making in their administrative computing systems. Emergency and project-overrun problems will be negotiated in the Council for Computing Policy consisting of the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Services, the Chancellor's representative, and the Director of Computing and Data Processing. This project and maintenance schedule is designed to provide equitable service for administrative departments, both for existing programs and for new project development.
GENERAL COMPUTING
Computing and Data Processing Staff
William Bennett Director 5816
Margo Curtis Secretary 5766
Operations Support Staff: The operations support staff maintains and operates the IBM 370/138 and VAX 11/780, and monitors the TRAN data transmission equipment to the IU Computing Network and the forthcoming local area network. Equipment problems should be reported to this group. Questions concerning mailing labels, instructional course evaluations, and test scoring should also be directed to this group.
Jan Nichols Operations Coordinator 5766
Dawn Teel Day Shift Operator 5325
Ed Katter Night Shift Operator 5325
Joe Dillon Swing Shift Operator 5325
Cyndy Elick Data Entry/Backup Operator 5766
Student Operators
Technical Support Staff: The technical support staff have primary responsibility for the maintenance and development of administrative software on the IBM 370/138, allocation of disk space, and hardware and software problem analysis.
Tom Kruse Tech. Support Coordinator 5766
Jim Teel Software Coordinator 5766
Randall Thorne Programmer/Analyst 5766
Customer Service Support Staff: The customer service staff provides administrative and academic consulting to faculty and administrative personnel. Administrative consulting is confined to the administrative software on the IBM 370/138, while academic consulting focuses on instructional and research computing.
Scott Shreiner Asst. Director/Customer Service Coord. 5766
Robert Copeland Administrative Consultant 5766
Char Edgar Academic Consultant 5766
Student Consultants
PROJECT AND PROGRAM MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS
Consulting Planning Projects Maintenance Technical Services Implementation Projects Maintenance
JANUARY Financial Student Info Sys Student Services Student Info Sys
FEBRUARY Financial Affairs Univ Code Sys Control System Registration Sys Library Info Sys Fee Statement Sys Admissions Sys Arts and Letters Student Services Student Info Sys
MARCH Financial Affairs Registration Sys Fee Statement Sys Accounting Sys Admissions Sys Student Services Univ Code Sys Control System Registration Sys Library Info Sys Fee Statement Sys Admissions Sys Arts and Letters
APRIL Academic Affairs Phone Inventory Sys Gov. Documents Sys Dental Assist. Sys Course/Instructor Evaluation Sys Accounting Sys Financial Affairs Registration Sys Fee statement Sys Accounting Sys Admissions Sys
MAY Academic Affairs Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Phone Directory Sys General Stores Sys Graduation Sys Financial Affairs Phone Inventory Gov Document Sys Dental Assist. Sys Course/Instructor Evaluation Sys Accounting Sys
JUNE Academic Affairs Weekend College Sys Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Financial Affairs Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Phone Directory General Stores Sys Graduation Sys
JULY Chancellor's Office Physical Plant Sys Job Accounting Sys Encumbrance Reporting Sys Dental Hygiene Sys Career Placement Sys Counselor List Sys PARS Sys Academic Affairs Weekend College Personnel/Payroll Info Sys Consulting Planning Projects Maintenance Technical Services Implementation Projects Maintenance
AUGUST Chancellor's Office Placement Test Sys PARS Sys Financial Aids Sys Drop/Add Activity Sys Academic Affairs Physical Plant Sys Job Accounting Sys Encumbrance Reporting Sys Dental Hygiene Sys Career Placement Counselor List Sys PARS Sys
SEPT Chancellor's Office Student Test Scoring System Placement Test Sys Gifts/Grants Sys Financial Aids Sys Academic Affairs Placement Testing PARS Sys Financial Aids Sys Drop/Add Activity
OCTOBER Student Services Transitional Studies Sys Terminal Inventory Mailing Labels Sys Form 21 Reporting Sys Gifts/Grants Sys Facilities Inventory Sys Comptroller's Budget Analysis Sys Chancellor's Office Student Test Scoring System Placement Testing Gifts/Grants Sys Financial Aids Sys
NOV Student Services Student Info Sys Chancellor's Office Transitional Studies Sys Terminal Inventory Mailing Labels Form 21 Reporting Gifts/Grants Sys Facilities Inventory Sys Comptroller's Budget Analysis Sys
DEC Student Services Student Info Sys Chancellor's Office Student Info Sys
BIT BUCKET
Fall Computing Center Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Holiday and between-semester hours posted on the Data Preparation Room and on the VAX terminal room (KT 204B) Preventive maintenance on the VAX usually scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month; software maintenance downtimes posted and announced on the VAX News; consulting hours posted on the Consulting Room door
DEC Grants to IPFW
Congratulations to the Department of Modern Foreign Languages, the Medical Education program, and the School of Engineering, Technology, and Nursing for their participation in the DEC Special Equipment Program. Their area proposals resulted in the award of 10 GIGI color graphics terminals and 4 VT-103 microcomputer kits to the campus; the value of this grant is about $128,000. The color graphics terminals will be used in conjunction with computer-aided instruction in foreign languages and medical education, and the VT-103 microcomputers will be used in the ETN microcomputer laboratory. The DEC Special Equipment Program annually awards equipment to educational institutions. Proposals usually are due in April; available equipment changes from year to year.
IPFW Computing Users Manuals
The Computing Users Manual will become two manuals and will be available in the bookstore. One manual contains information on using the local IBM 370/138 and VAX 11/780. This edition will also include a BASIC PRIMER contributed by Dr. Frederick of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The other manual will contain information on the computers in the IU Computing Network--the DEC 10 and IBM 4341 computers at Indianapolis and the CDC 172/6600 at Bloomington.
VAX Videotapes
Videotapes which provide training for VAX 11/780 users are available from the Learning Resource Center in KT 214. New VAX users are advised to view these tapes before using the VAX.
Academic and Administrative Project Scheduling
Computing and Data Processing maintains in KT 204J a master schedule board containing current information on regularly scheduled administrative jobs, due dates of student class projects, software-maintenance schedules, and known hardware-maintenance downtimes. This board and the cooperation of our customers will enable C&DP to plan for and load-level peak academic and administrative use of the computers.
VAX/Microcomputer Interfaces
The VAX systems manager is currently maintaining a file of hardware and software interface information for various microcomputers to the VAX. Current contributions to this file include interface information for the IBM personal, TRS-80, and DEC VT-18X microcomputers. Information is not yet available for the APPLE II and other microcomputers. Contributions to this information file are needed. Contact Scott Shreiner for more information or to contribute information.
SPSS on the VAX?
Computing and Data Processing is considering moving the SPSS statistical package from the IBM 370/138 to the VAX 11/780 to provide greater academic access to this research tool. SPSS would remain a batch processing tool (not interactive). Faculty input on this question is requested. Please write your views to Char Edgar.
Short Courses
Computing and Data Processing is presenting short courses for interested users:
Introduction to IU Computer Systems--Local and Network September 20, 2-4 p.m.
SPSS September 27 thru 30, 2-4 p.m.
VAX Concepts and Architecture October 4 thru 7, 2-4 p.m.
Graphics October 25 and 29, 2-4 p.m.
To register, call Char Edgar, 5766, as soon as possible.
I.S. 8-82-124
IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE FUTURE ISSUES OF SIGN_ON, NOTIFY C&DP AT 5766.